Early Years
Welcome to the Early Years section of our Virtual School.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses on the learning, development and well-being of children aged 0-5, with all Early Years providers required to follow the EYFS curriculum. Early Years children learn through play based experiences supporting learning in all areas of the curriculum in both indoor and outdoor environments. The virtual school works with other professionals to ensure children in care are supported to achieve their full potential.
Early Years Pupil Premium Plus (EYPP+) and Personal Education Plans (PEP's)
All children in care are eligible to access this funding in the term after their 3rd birthday where required. A PEP meeting will take place termly, with the virtual school, child's setting/school, social worker and parent/carer present. Any additional support and requests are discussed and needs-led requests can only be made through the PEP document which is then processed by the virtual school. The PEP document and the EYPP+ supports learning and development for each child individually.
The Curriculum
The EYFS Curriculum is divided into 7 areas of learning. There are then 17 Early Learning Goals (ELG'S) which children work towards by the end of Reception.
Prime areas - These areas are fundamental and support overall development and well-being.
1. Communication and Language (ELG's - Listening, attention and understanding)
2. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (ELG's - Self-regulation, Managing self, Building relationships)
3. Physical Development (ELG's - Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills)
Specific areas - These areas include essential skills and knowledge.
4. Literacy (ELG's - Comprehension, Word reading, Writing)
5. Mathematics (ELG's - Number, Numerical patterns)
6. Understanding the World (ELG's - Past and present, People, culture and communities, The natural world)
7. Expressive Arts and Design (ELG's - Creating with materials, Being imaginative and expressive)
Characteristics of Effective Learning
These refer to the ways in which children learn and develop:
Playing and Exploring - Children investigate and experience things and 'have a go'.
Active Learning - Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements.
Creating and Thinking Critically - Children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things.
Halton Early Years Support
Many of these local services offer additional support, advice, training and sessions:
Halton Health Improvement Team
Speech and Language Support - Chatterbugs
If you have any queries regarding Early Years children in care, please don't hesitate to get in touch - virtual.school@halton.gov.uk